Cooper Flagg’s first NBA night offered a dose of reality for the Dallas Mavericks. The No. 1 pick logged a double-double but struggled to organize an offense. The San Antonio Spurs pounced, and the gap between “future star” and “primary initiator” showed up immediately. Flagg finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds, no assists, one steal and three turnovers on 4-of-13 shooting, with a minus-29, as Dallas fell 125–92 to the Spurs. He was scoreless in the first half. San Antonio rode a 40-point, 15-rebound masterpiece from Victor Wembanyama, while Dallas shot just 37.3% and never found a rhythm. This isn’t an indictment of Flagg’s talent; it’s an indictment of the assignment. With Kyrie Irving still rehabbing and not expected back until early 2026, Dallas asked an 18-year-old winger to mimic a veteran point guard’s job against a top defense. That’s a big ask on any night — brutal on opening night. Flagg’s tools flashed in spurts — defensive activity, the downhill burst — but the Spurs pressed the weak spots. TheyRead More
Mavericks won’t thrive with Cooper Flagg as their point guard
